The Modified BEAD 4 String Bass Club

[Yahboy]

I just convert my Yamaha TRBX 504 to BEAD yesterday. Widen the nut slot and drop a fresh set of EB Cobalt flat 2816 65-130.

But, today I tune it to C standard which I found my fretting hand prefer play on a tap higher. I also found overall tone become a bit brighter and tighter, especially the B string tone.

 

[manchego_eggo]

I just convert my Yamaha TRBX 504 to BEAD yesterday. Widen the nut slot and drop a fresh set of EB Cobalt flat 2816 65-130.

View attachment 4491296 View attachment 4491297


But, today I tune it to C standard which I found my fretting hand prefer play on a tap higher. I also found overall tone become a bit brighter and tighter, especially the B string tone.

How do you like the tension on these? I've been thinking of trying them, but I'm worried the un-tapered B won't fit through the slot on my bridge.

 

[DesolationBlvd]

Count me in the club. I briefly had a five-string StingRay I picked up when Guitar Center had it on clearance, but was not a fan of the wide neck typical of five strings, so it got traded for the four-string version plus a little cash, and then was sold to help pay for an Oberheim OB-8. If I need the highest notes on the high G in a song, I probably don't need the low B, and vice versa.

The Gibson Thunderbird I also bought on clearance then served as my B standard bass, as I found the tone a bit one-dimensional for playing in E standard but perfect for lower tunings, and I had good results with Kalium .059/.079/.106/.142. Both the original Gibson bridge and the Babicz bridge I bought to upgrade it were slotted top-loaders. But I wanted to upgrade the electronics to Bartolini with coil split and active treble/bass, and refinish it in "Graphite Pearl", so it's at the luthier, and will probably return to E standard.

eBay ran a Bonus Bucks recently, and I picked up a Jackson USA Concert Bass and a Hipshot A-style Fender-style retrofit so I could fit heavier strings, and asked for the strings back. The luthier probably sent me the wrong strings back, but they were thick enough (B being at least a .130) and work for now. Actually had to loosen the truss rod a bit, there was almost no relief. The electronics were previously changed to EMG with two volumes and a passive tone, so I've ordered EMG's BTS controls and toggle switch so I get the original feel.

 

[Yahboy]

How do you like the tension on these? I've been thinking of trying them, but I'm worried the un-tapered B won't fit through the slot on my bridge.

Well balance string to string tension, no floppy.
My action are 2.25mm on B, 2.0mm on E , 1.85mm on A and 1.75mm on D string.
No fret buzz .

No idea if cobalt flat 130 B suit for string through body bass.
But, I been install the 55-110 2811 on classic stingray, it work . But, the string end winding (silk wrap start area) just lay on the nut slot.

 

[nattiep]

I did this to a CIJ jazz bass and I'm not sure the neck likes the tension at all. used roto 66 drop zone 65-130

 

[KaraQ]

I've got my "Redbird" (custom shop epiphone thunderbird IV) strung BEAD presently, with DR DDTs, 45-125.
Really like the bottom end on these strings (I've since put a 50-110, +125 set on my 5-string thunderbird as well), and they stay in tune very well, as advertised

 

[factory presets]

I did this to a CIJ jazz bass and I'm not sure the neck likes the tension at all. used roto 66 drop zone 65-130

Did it to a CV Squier J with 125 Lo Riders. Actually had to loosen the truss rod to lose the back bow.

WhichI guess was kind of predictable when I think about how famously floppy B strings are. Spent some time worrying about extra tension before I BEADed my first bass tho.

 

[DesolationBlvd]

Got the needle files out and widened the nut slots to handle BEAD tuning. Made quite the difference now that the strings aren't hiked up at the nut. The low C and F at the first fret are much more in tune. Can't believe I was going to take this out to get the slots widened professionally. Now replacing the nut on my Rickenbacker 360/12, that's a little more involved, and it's got other issues.

 

[Finnigan's wake]

Even a little thing can have a DEEP voice: my 30" Mustangmaster with Rotosound 77. Waiting for some steel strings (ordered today).

 

[Eilif]

I've got my "Redbird" (custom shop epiphone thunderbird IV) strung BEAD presently, with DR DDTs, 45-125.
Really like the bottom end on these strings (I've since put a 50-110, +125 set on my 5-string thunderbird as well), and they stay in tune very well, as advertised

View attachment 4545908

Dang. I like everything about that rig. I have a couple (arguably better) rigs that I really like and there's zero chance I'd be willing to cart that monstrosity around to gigs. However, I periodically get the urge to buy a classic USA bass Peavey Rig. I like a strong round tone, and I've repeatedly been able to get a sound I like out of any of those early Peavey Mark-whatever heads and similar era cabs. Heck even the multi-instrument PA style heads sound good to me.

 

[KaraQ]

Dang. I like everything about that rig. I have a couple (arguably better) rigs that I really like and there's zero chance I'd be willing to cart that monstrosity around to gigs. However, I periodically get the urge to buy a classic USA bass Peavey Rig. I like a strong round tone, and I've repeatedly been able to get a sound I like out of any of those early Peavey Mark-whatever heads and similar era cabs. Heck even the multi-instrument PA style heads sound good to me.

It does sound great, but the only moving it does is sliding on the carpet when I rearrange my living room furniture

 

[Scotland66]

I've got my "Redbird" (custom shop epiphone thunderbird IV) strung BEAD presently, with DR DDTs, 45-125.
Really like the bottom end on these strings (I've since put a 50-110, +125 set on my 5-string thunderbird as well), and they stay in tune very well, as advertised

View attachment 4545908

Love your Redbird!

 

[Scotland66]

Mind blowing!! I cannot believe the wealth of information on the TB site. I wanted to thank y'all in advance for your knowledge and advice given in this thread.

 

[torinodeathride]

Back in the early 90's I started thinking about a 5 string bass,
just to get that extra low B string.

I've alway been a hold the bottom, drive with the kick type player especially playing in a 5 piece group where holding down the bottom was important.

Then I went shopping and just didn't fall in love with any 5 string at any price point. My fingers are short and the necks just felt too wide.

So, after a bit of pondering, I decided to modify my '79 USA Custom Shop Schecter PJ just enough to run the low 4 strings of a 5 string set.

A simple, easily reversible mod, plus resetting intonation.

That's the way the bass remains today.

What I liked beyond retaining the slimmer 60's neck width,
was that the change in attack angle on the relocated E & A strings gave the E & A more punch and I didn't miss the G nearly as much as I thought I might.

Since then, other players have picked up on this idea saving them the cost of a new bass, while still getting the lows they were after.

Reversing the mod is as simple as replacing the nut and setting the bass back up for traditional 4 string operation.

Just wondered how many of you have tried this.

Does anyone have pickup suggestions for p bass for BEAD? I heard that p bass pickup might not be best for B string. It seems to work well for me, but I am a little new to BEAD tuning. I currently have Dunable D-split in BEAD p bass. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[manchego_eggo]

Does anyone have pickup suggestions for p bass for BEAD? I heard that p bass pickup might not be best for B string. It seems to work well for me, but I am a little new to BEAD tuning. I currently have Dunable D-split in BEAD p bass. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I like the geezer EMG, he plays in C#, so B isnt that much lower. I want to try the new Dimarzio Relentless though since I believe Billy plays one his basses in BEAD.

 

[torinodeathride]

I like the geezer EMG, he plays in C#, so B isnt that much lower. I want to try the new Dimarzio Relentless though since I believe Billy plays one his basses in BEAD.

That makes a lot of sense. I'll look at those EMGs. C# isn't that far at all.

 

[factory presets]

Does anyone have pickup suggestions for p bass for BEAD? I heard that p bass pickup might not be best for B string. It seems to work well for me, but I am a little new to BEAD tuning. I currently have Dunable D-split in BEAD p bass. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I just put a Wilde p46 in a P bass knock off with flats in BEAD. I'm seriously impressed with the clear low end and the tight attack. Outstanding sound at a very competitive price. Only downside is they're a couple of mm longer than standard. I had to file the pickguard slightly let them move freely on the mounting screws.

Search here and you will find plenty of people prepared to say they are the best P pickup replacement
available. I haven't tried enough pickups to make that claim, myself.

 

[alphaneon]

What set of strings would be best for tuning to BEAD and Drop A on a 34" scale bass?

I say BEAD and Drop A because my bass has a HipShot drop tuner and I will go between the two semi-frequently.

 

[KaraQ]

What set of strings would be best for tuning to BEAD and Drop A on a 34" scale bass?

I say BEAD and Drop A because my bass has a HipShot drop tuner and I will go between the two semi-frequently.

Personally, I'd use DR DDTs - probably the 65 - 125 set. That's what I'm using currently for BEAD.
The 125 DDT should be able to handle the low A, but I'm sure someone will be able to give you a solid answer for that.

 

[factory presets]

Personally, I'd use DR DDTs - probably the 65 - 125 set. That's what I'm using currently for BEAD.
The 125 DDT should be able to handle the low A, but I'm sure someone will be able to give you a solid answer for that.

I do like the spiders for bead. Sound particularly nice in my PJ with EMGs. But mostly I get lo riders 5 string sets coz they're cheaper. The difference in sound doesn't Justify the extra cost.